The latest data available (patients diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2005 and 2009) from Cancer Research UK paints a very positive picture on survival trends for prostate cancer in recent years. In the last 30 years there has been consistent improvement some of which may be attributed to PSA testing. Early detection saves lives.

Prostate Cancer One Year Survival Rates

Between 1971 and 1975 one year survival rates for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer were around 65%. Between 2004 and 2006 the one year survival rate had improved to 93% and between 2010 and 2011 increased by 1% reaching 94% in total.

Prostate Cancer Five Year Survival Rates

Five year survival rates for prostate cancer have also shown significant improvements since the 1970’s with a survival rate of 31% in men diagnosed between 1971 and 1975 compared with 84.8% for men diagnosed between 2006 and 2011.

Prostate Cancer Ten Year Survival Rates

Ten year survival rates have improved from around 21% in the mid 1970’s to approximately 60% for men diagnosed with prostate cancer between 1996 and 2000.

Age and stage at diagnosis

The age of the man and stage of the prostate cancer at diagnosis also has an effect on survival rates. In cases where the cancer is confined to the prostate i.e. it hasn’t spread, five year survival rates for men diagnosed between 2002 and 2006 are 100%. However, if the disease is metastatic i.e. it has spread beyond the prostate, five year survival rates are approximately 30%. This again highlights the importance of early detection through PSA testing and screening.

Age affects survival rates and the following table gives an indication of 5 year survival rates based on men diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2007-2011 in England and Wales.

If you have any symptoms of prostate cancer or don’t have symptoms but are concerned then please get in touch to arrange a ProstateCheck. We can give you advice, assess your risk and perform a PSA test to put your mind at rest.